I noticed the broadcast schedule for the Stanley Cup Finals and I think it is a disgrace that possible Cup clinching games (3 and 4) will be on Versus instead of NBC. Why the peacock network isn't carrying all the games is amazing to me, but the fact that not everyone gets Versus in Chicago is ridiculous. I have Dish Network and it is a subscription channel. As much as I love the Hawks and am looking forward to the Cup Finals I am not shelling out the money to get the channel for a couple of games.

I wonder if Comcast or WGN-TV would approach Versus and look into carrying those games the same way ABC 7 does for Bears games on ESPN or WCIU-TV does for NFL Network games. I think that is a win-win situation in that Versus gets more exposure and the fans get their games. I do realize that channel 7 and ESPN are Disney properties, but they still do it and it makes sense.

Versus is not a "subscription" Channel on Dish Network. I have Dish & had signed up with the America 200 package which doesn't include Versus. I changed my package on the Dish web site to the America 250 package to get Versus for the Hockey games. You can upgrade or downgrade your Chanel package at any time on the Dish web site & they pro rate the cost difference based on where you are in your billing cycle.
I am very pleased with Dish so far. I have it on 6 TV's with no problems. Dish has more HD channels than Direct TV & is $10 - $20 cheaper.
By the way Chip...are you gonna compete in Score Search 2?

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CSFMB 2014 Nascar Pick 'em Champion

We don’t have a trillion-dollar debt because we haven’t taxed enough; we have a trillion-dollar debt because we spend too much. — Ronald Reagan

Thanks for the update. I am a huge fan of Dish Network and do agree with you about the channels. I didn't know about the change one can make.

I posted something earlier about the contest. I don't think I'm going to do it based on the fact that I think they would like "new blood". After finishing second last year and having Mitch Rosen tell me that there could be fill-in work, I thought there would be a chance to get on board. However, numerous emails and calls, which he asked that I do, went unreturned. Thus, I have a feeling I wouldn't be in their plans this time around either.

That's too bad. Sounds like Mitch gave you the company line. It's funny though...I have e-mailed Mitch numerous times & he has always responded, yet he wont respond to you, a guy who was this close to being a Score employee. There is no excuse for not responding to someone, especially someone who has been asked to stay in touch.
It sounds like you have a bad taste in your mouth & I don't blame you at all.

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CSFMB 2014 Nascar Pick 'em Champion

We don’t have a trillion-dollar debt because we haven’t taxed enough; we have a trillion-dollar debt because we spend too much. — Ronald Reagan

DirecTV the only way to go. I do not know anyone who has had Dish and been happy with them. Once they switch to DirecTV they thank me for the suggestion.

Yah, it's a no-contest between DISH and DirecTV. From the channel offerings, the TRUE HD offerings, and even the hardware/on-screen menus ... I really think that those that "love" DISH are akin to those that really think Nickelback is solid, if not great, music. They just don't know any better!

Anyway, how is game 3 a potential clincher? I did see that WGN AM is going to carry the radio broadcasts of each game, which is cool - bumping out their usual Cubs broadcasts http://chicagoist.com/2010/05/26/blackh ... om_wgn.php .

I suppose I could look, but I think I have the bare minimum DirecTV progamming package and get VS/VS HD. So I'm guessing "anyone" with DirecTV will get the games without having to switch packages.

Dish Network has more HD channels & is cheaper than Direct TV. I do like the Direct TV remote control better than the Dish monster remote.

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CSFMB 2014 Nascar Pick 'em Champion

We don’t have a trillion-dollar debt because we haven’t taxed enough; we have a trillion-dollar debt because we spend too much. — Ronald Reagan

And don't forget......... NFL Sunday Tick-eettttt ....on DirectTV.

Is that free & included?

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CSFMB 2014 Nascar Pick 'em Champion

We don’t have a trillion-dollar debt because we haven’t taxed enough; we have a trillion-dollar debt because we spend too much. — Ronald Reagan

Not true, Kirk. Do some Googling and you'll find that DirecTV actually DOES have more full time, real HD channels. Hollow marketing line, by DISH, that you clearly bought into

I'm actually quite amazed at the amount of "free" stuff that DirecTV gives it's subscribers. It's been a few years since I checked out DISH's offerings, but the differences were HUGE just a few years ago.

As far as the NFL Sunday Ticket - sure it's extra, why wouldn't it be? At least they have it available for those that want to pay, it's a silly argument to say 'well, is it included with your regular sub?' Of course it's not, but it's there if you want it.

I'm a little puzzled why NBC Sports will carry the first 2 games of the Flyers/Blackhawks' NHL Stanley Cup Final and not VERSUS. Usually, the former Outdoor Life Network carries the first 2 games of the Finals with NBC carrying the rest of the games after that. Unless it has something to do with the NHL's current TV deals with the 2 networks, the VERSUS part of which expires next year, I'm kinda puzzled at the arrangement.

This much is for sure. WGN 720 will carry all the Stanley Cup Finals' games with John Wiedemann, Troy Murray & Jim Memolo providing the descriptions, Cubs or no Cubs.

I don't ever buy into anyone's marketing line. I spent about a Month researching Comcast, U-Verse, Direct TV, & Dish Network, & my conclusion was that Dish was the best value proposition for me. I love the Dish service. The Direct TV equivalent priced out about $20 more than Dish, plus there was no upfront cost with Dish. I'm sure Direct TV is fine...after all they are the market leader, I just didn't want to pay more when I could save $ with Dish.

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CSFMB 2014 Nascar Pick 'em Champion

We don’t have a trillion-dollar debt because we haven’t taxed enough; we have a trillion-dollar debt because we spend too much. — Ronald Reagan

It was my understanding last week that NBC got Game 1, VS got 2 and 3, and NBC got the rest, so I guess I was wrong too.

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I'm a big fan of Versus. I believe they are the fastest growing cable/satellite TV channel. I wonder though if the NHL will move it's contract elsewhere. Perhaps a deal on ESPN 2 would make sense?

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CSFMB 2014 Nascar Pick 'em Champion

We don’t have a trillion-dollar debt because we haven’t taxed enough; we have a trillion-dollar debt because we spend too much. — Ronald Reagan

Blackhawks' Chairman Rocky Wirtz, Scorehead, has made no bones about it. He's not at all happy about the NHL's U.S. TV deal with VERSUS, and recently cited the recent squabble with DIRECTV and the lack of availability on certain cable systems. He would like the NHL to consider a return to ESPN/ESPN2, but I think the reason why VERSUS has the games had a lot to do with Joe Fan not exactly tuning in to "The Worldwide Leader" following the league's most recent lockout. That lockout made the NHL expendable in ESPN's opinion. That being said, I'm not so sure Rocky will get his wish.